Tougher rules to help reduce Australian phone bill shock

The communications regulator says it hopes a new consumer protection code will help reduce complaints about misleading mobile phone plans and “bill shock”.The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is introducing tough new rules for advertising and billing by the telcos amid soaring levels of complaints from customersThe code, developed by the telcos themselves, will require them to include more information on their advertisements, including the cost of a two-minute call and an SMS.To continue reading this ABC News report, go to:
www.abc.net.au/news/2012-07-11/regulator-unveils-tougher-telco-code/4123980Also see:New rules for telecoms companies to cut mobile and internet bill shock
Internet and mobile phone customers will get a warning when they hit 50pc of their monthly usage allowance under tough new consumer protection rules for telecoms companies.The new Telecommunications Consumer Protection (TCP) code, most of which will be enforced from September 1, will act as a rulebook for telcos on how to engage with customers, forcing the companies to make radical changes to the way they market to and bill users.
www.theaustralian.com.au/business/companies/new-rules-for-telecoms-companies-to-cut-mobile-and-internet-bill-shock/story-fn91v9q3-1226423409042‘Bill shock’ code set to save $1.5b on phone bills
Australians spend $1.5 billion more than they need to each year on mobile phone bills, something new rules aim to prevent by ensuring plans are worded more clearly, that the word “cap” is avoided, and that consumers are warned before they go over their data limit.The Telecommunications Consumer Protection (TCP) code, announced today by telco regulator the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and put together by the telco’s Communications Alliance industry body, will act as a rulebook for telcos, such as Telstra and Optus, on how to engage with their customers in a way that will eliminate “bill shock”.
www.smh.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/bill-shock-code-set-to-save–15b-on-phone-bills-20120711-21ury.html
www.theage.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/bill-shock-code-set-to-save–15b-on-phone-bills-20120711-21ury.html